Optical Receptacle Light Separation Reducing Reflection Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules suffer from light loss due to multiple interfaces between the optical receptacle and air, leading to inefficient use of light emitted from the light emitting element, particularly when the optical path within the receptacle is long.
Innovation Solution
An optical receptacle with a light separating section featuring inclining first and second divided reflecting surfaces, which internally reflects light to minimize losses and optimize the optical path within the receptacle, allowing light to be efficiently directed towards the optical transmission member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light passes through multiple interfaces between optical receptacle and air, then light can be directed from light emitting element to optical transmission member, but light loss increases due to reflections and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guiding function and light separating function into a single integrated optical receptacle structure. The light separating section is formed as an integral part of the optical receptacle, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the number of air interfaces. This integration reduces light loss while maintaining the ability to direct light from the light emitting element to the optical transmission member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light separating section as an intermediary structure within the optical receptacle that uses total internal reflection to separate monitoring light from signal light. This intermediary mechanism allows light to be directed along different paths without requiring multiple discrete components, thereby reducing overall light loss while achieving the necessary light separation function.
2Loss of energy
If optical path length inside optical receptacle is increased, then light separation into monitoring light and signal light is achieved, but light absorption by resin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses total internal reflection at inclined surfaces within the light separating section to redirect light paths in three-dimensional space. By utilizing angular relationships and spatial orientation rather than simply extending the optical path length, the patent achieves effective light separation while minimizing the distance light travels through the resin, thereby reducing absorption losses.
3Loss of energy
If multiple interfaces are used for light direction, then light can be separated into monitoring and signal paths, but reflection losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters at the interfaces by using total internal reflection instead of conventional refraction-based light separation. By designing the light separating section with specific inclined angles that satisfy the conditions for total internal reflection, the patent eliminates reflection losses at interfaces while maintaining the flexibility to route light into different paths for monitoring and signal functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the use efficiency of light emitted from the light emitting element by reducing reflections and absorption within the optical receptacle, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and allowing for a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a first divided reflecting surface that is an inclining surface with respect to an optical axis of emittance light incident on the first optical surface... the first divided reflecting surface internally reflects a part of emittance light incident on the first optical surface toward the second optical surface side as the signal light
Implementation Method 2
a second divided reflecting surface that is an inclining surface inclined at a different angle to the first divided reflecting surface with respect to the optical axis of the emittance light... the second divided reflecting surface internally reflects a part of emittance light incident on the first optical surface as the monitoring light
Data Source
AI summary
The optical receptacle according to the present invention comprises: a first optical surface, a second optical surface, an optical separating part and a third optical surface. The optical separating part includes a first dividing reflection surface for causing a part of the emittance light incident on the first optical surface to be internally reflected toward the second optical surface as the signal light, and a second dividing reflection surface for causing a part of the emittance light incident on the first optical surface to be internally reflected toward the third optical surface as the monitor light. The entire light path between the first optical surface, the optical separating part, and the second optical surface is located inside the optical receptacle.